The California Cricket Academy in Cupertino says its cricket pitch located near the civic center and library was recently damaged.

Hemant Buch, co-founder of the California Cricket Academy, said he discovered the damage to the turf-like mat in the middle of the civic center field the morning of Oct. 21.

“They have basically cut the mat in two pieces,” he said in an email to this newspaper. “We have joined it with duct tape, but unfortunately the tape changes the leveling and causes an uneven bounce of the ball, which may be a safety concern as the damage is exactly where ball is usually pitched by the bowler.”

Capt. Rich Urena with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s West Valley Patrol Division said it is unknown what happened to the pitch. A report was taken Oct. 24, and deputies are still investigating to “determine whether or not it was indeed vandalism.” As of Oct. 28, there were no suspects, no leads and no known video of an incident causing damage.

The city owns and maintains the field where the pitch is located. Brian Babcock, public information officer with the city, said though public works was dispatched to the pitch, it appeared to have already been repaired.

Buch said his groups attempted to temporarily repair the pitch with peg nails as there is an ongoing youth cricket tournament at the field every weekend. Buch also said tape will not last long. He said the pitch, which was just replaced in August for about $3,000, will have to be replaced again.

“Since they have cut the pitch from the playing area between the wickets, we will have to replace the mat,” he said. “Several individuals have come forward to support.”

Buch said Sand Hill Property Co. offered to foot the bill, but he declined the offer.

The pitch was first installed nearly a decade ago and according to Buch, more than $50,000 has gone into its maintenance.

Kristi Myllenbeck covers all things Cupertino, from crime and breaking news to education and development. She has been working for Silicon Valley Community Newspapers since 2015. She is a San Jose State University alumna and enjoys hiking and camping in her spare time.

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